Intermittently operated motor for camera



Aug. 28, 1956 P. E. BERRY ETAL 2,761,099

INTERMITTENTLY OPERATEID MOTOR FOR CAMERA Filed Feb, 5, 1951 Pau/ E. Berry INVENTORS Emma? g Ro/mona E Anderson;

INTERMITTENTLY OPERATED MOTGR FR CANIERA Paul E. Berry and Raymond F. Anderson, Houston, Tex.,

assignors of one-fourth to Will E. Wilson and onefourth to Earl F. Simmons, Jr., Houston, Tex.

Application February 5, 1951, Serial No. 209,494

Claims. (Cl. 3'18-443) This invention relates to a means for automatically actuating a camera or other device at regular intervals. In still another of its aspects, it relates to an automatically actuated keying circuit adapted to energize a second circuit at regular but adjustable intervals. In still another of its aspects, it relates to a means for automatically reactuating such a keying circuit when a predetermined condition exists in the circuit energized by said keying circuit.

l t is often desirable to automatically actuate at regular intervals a device such as a camera in order that such device can be operated over a period of time without attention. For example, a motion picture camera ycan be mounted to view a safe and to take a series of pictures thereof in order to furnish 'a meansv of identification of unauthorized persons attempting to enter the safe. Further, it is often desirable that such camera be mounted nited States Patent over an area in which a determination is to bey made of the movement of persons or merchandise, such as is in a department store, to determine the reason for lack of sales in a particular department. However,in such operations, it is advantageous to not run the camera continuously in order to limit the amount of film consumed inasmuch as a series of pictures taken periodically will serve the intended purpose and yield the desired information. Hence, there is a need for a camera which can be automatically operated to take a sequence of pictures at regulated intervals without any substantial attention.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for automatically taking pictures of any desired object or objects at predetermined intervals whereby a record can be made of the condition of such objects at such intervals.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for actuating a current responsive means such as a camera'at periodic intervals by means of an electronic circuit adapted to transmit pulses of current at adjustable intervals, said pulses being terminated responsive to the operation of said current responsive means.

A further object is to provide an auxiliary apparatus adapted to reactivate said electronic circuit when said current responsive means fails to do so.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus for actuating a current responsive apparatus such as a camera by means of electrical pulses wherein said pulses are transmitted by an electron discharge device in response to the accumulation of a charge on a capacitance, the rate of said accumulation being adjustable.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a means for transmitting pulses of current including an electron discharge means controlled by a charge on a capacitance, and also including a means for charging said capacitance at a controlled rate, and means for-discharging said capacitance responsive to said pulses of current whereby the time interval between said pulses of current can be controlled. A

Yet another object of this invention is to providean apparatus for transmitting a pulse of current, after a 2,761,699? Patented Aug. 28, i956 lapse of a predetermined time interval, including an elecice rtron transmitting means controlled by the charge on a tance responsive to said pulse of current.

, Still yet another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically transmitting pulses of current at intervals of adjustable periodicity, and an auxiliary apparatus adapted toreactivate said first apparatus after a predetermined lapse of time during which said first apparatus has failed to operate.

y lOther objects, advantages and features of this invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art upon a consideration of the written specification taken in conjunction with the attached drawing wherein there is shown schematically a preferred embodiment of this invention.

In discussing the apparatus of this invention and its operation, it is intended that the flow of current shall be construed as being from a point having a greater negative potential to a point having a lesser negative or a positive potential.

In general the apparatus of this invention includes a current responsive means such as a movie camera which it is desired to periodically actuate and means for actuation thereof. The latter can be a current transmitting means such as a vacuum tube controlled by an electrical potential impressed upona capacitance. The charge on the capacitance can be increased or decreased at a controlled rate by providing a resistance path, variable if desired, therefrom. The capacitance can be returned to its normal potential by acircuit responsive to the current transmitted by the current transmitting means, thereby also returning the current transmitting ymeans to its original status.

Should the capacitance fail to actuate the current transmitting means for a predetermined period of time, there can be provided a second capacitance with a current path therefrom which is adapted to actuate said current transmitting means to again return the iirst capacitance to an operating status. The second capacitance is so constructed and ararnged that it will be periodically returned to its original potential when the lirst capacitance is functioning properly and will actuate the current transmitting means only when the iirst capacitance has failed to do so. j

Referring now to the drawing, there is shown a current responsive camera motor 1 having a motor shaft 2 carrying a gear 3 adapted to mesh with another gear 4 Which can have a cut-out portion 5 and thereby be adapted to act as a camera shutter. Also meshing with gear 3 is a third gear 6 carried on a shaft (not shown) common to the cam 7.

f A driving means for the camera which can be a source of current `such as a volt, 60 cycle alternating current, is connected to switch 9 by means of wires iii and lli. Also connected to this source of current can be a twentyfour hour clock 12 having adjustable clips which can be set at different time settings in order to actuate switch 9 at any desired time. The clock is so constructed that it will turn the switch into a closed position at a predetermined time and also open it at a predetermined time. The opposite poles of switch 9 are connected through wires 13 and 14 and a control means including switches .i301 and 14a to a primary winding 15 of transformer i6. That portion of the secondary winding of transformer le designated as 17 furnishes current through wires 18 and i9 to the lield coil of the camera motor. That portion of the secondary winding designated as 20, plus the portion designated as 17 furnishes lcurrent to the armature of the camera motor through wires 19 and 2i. in this manner, the camera motor will be actuated whenever the primary winding 15 of transformer 16 is energized,

A source of direct current which can be a power supply unit adapted to convert 110 volt, 6i) cycle a1ternat tan current into a substantially directl current isgenerally ted by the numeral 22. As shown in the drawpower supply can be comprised of a full-wave 'iter-tap rectifier employing a. transformer 23 connected ,.allelwith the source of current flowing'. in Wires 13 f 4 Full-wave rectilier tube 24, which can be a twn plate diode, has its platesconnected to opposite ends or secondary winding 25, as shown. Alow voltage secondary winding 26 can be employed to furnish current to heat the lament of tube 24. Secondary winding 2S is tapped at itscenter by wire 27 through which the rectified current ows from the power supply. The cathode heater circuit is tappedby wire V28 having a resistance 2*? interposed therein. A capacitance 30 is connected between output wire 27.ai1d a tap on resistance 29 in order to iilter the current from tube 24 and thereby produce a rippling direct current. That portion of resistance 29 designated as-29a also helpsto filter the current by cutting oit the peaks Aofthe direct current pulse. The overall resistance 29 completes the circuit of the direct current power supply.

in accordance with this invention, there is provided an automatic keying circuit adapted to transmit or produce a pulse of current at Xed but variable intervals of time. Thus, there is provided "an electron transmitting means or discharge device adapted to transmit current responsive to a potential orV a change in potential. This can be a twin triode tube designated as 32. The plates of tube 32 are connected together by wire 33, and thence to a control meansfsuch as relay coil 34 by wire 35. The other end of relay coil 34 is connected by means of wire 36 to a tap on resistance 29. The catho/des of tube 32 are connected by means of lwires 37 and 3S, respectively, and wire 39 to a ta'p on resistance 29 to complete the plate-cathode circuit. In this manner, the proper potential between the cathodes and plates of tube 32 is provided. This potential must render the plates positive with respect to the cathodes.

A means for impressing a potential onthe velectron transmitting or discharge means, e. g., tube 32, can include a grid 4th. This vgrid is connected to output line 27 of the power supply by means of Wire 41. Interposed in wire 4i. is a capacitance 42 adapted to'change the potential impressed o n tube 32. A second capacitence 43, which is desirably vof larger capacity than capacitance 42, can be connected vin parallel thereto through switch 4 4, as shown in the drawing. vA resistance d is also inserted in the circuit between capacitance 42 and/ or 43 andgrid 40 to Vslow the ow of current to and from the grid. A low voltgefsecondary winding 46 can be employed to 'supply current to the heating elements of tube 32. 4

A means for changing the charge on capacitance 42 (and 43) can be a variable grid leak adapted to cause capacitance 42 and, when employed, capacitance 43, to become charged at a controlled rate is connectedbetween grid and a point more positive `than saidfg'rid to thereby reduce the potential impressed on grid to permit tube 32 to transmit current through uthe 'platecathode circuit. This grid leak isprc-vided by 'connecting resistance 47, which can be of substantially the same value as the resistance existing between the plate tap and the cathode tap on resistance v29, in parallel with resistance 29 across the plate circuit. A time interval switch 4S can be provided to tap off varying voltages from resistance 47. This switch can `comprise a multitap selector switch adapted to tap resistance 47 at different points therealong. A resistance 49 which can be of relatively higher resistance than resistance is connected between the selectorswitch 48 :and the grid 40, as shown in the drawing. In this manner, capacitance 42 (and 43) can be charged by permitting current to pass through resistance 49 and the resistance tappedfrom resistance 47 and thence through wire 36 4back to Kthe power supply. v i u t A means for discharging capacitance 42 (and 43) is providedA .by .connecting .one plate, of. ,the capacitan@ v1.21 wire 50 to contact point 51 of switch 52 and then connecting the other contact point 53 by means of wire S4 (and 19) to the opposite plate of capacitanccs 42 and 43. Thus when switch 52 is closed, the opposite plates of the capacitances will be connected together. A low resistance 55 can be provided to prevent scorching and pitting of contact points 51 and53.

ln accordance with one aspect of this invention, an auxiliary circuit is provided which is adapted to actuate camera motor 1 after a predetermined .time has 4elapsed since the above described keying circuit has last actuatedthe motor. It is contemplated that this `auxiliary circuit shall lactuate the camera motor should the latter be stopped in 'such a position that switch 52 is maintained in a closed position by cam 7. This auxiliary circuit comprises an electron discharge or transmitting means .adapted to transmitcurrent responsive to a potential and iwhich can be biased to a non-current transmitting condition by an electricalpotential and being further adapted to transmit current when such potential is reduced. Thismeans can bea triode type vacuum tube combined in the same envelope as part of tube 32, (s shown inthe drawing. The plate-cathode circuit for this tube hasbeen described above. A means for impressing a potential on this device can be a grid 56 connected in series with the power supply through resistance 57, wire 58, points 59 and 60, capacitance 61 and wire 62. A grid leal; for changing the charge on capacitance 61 can comprise a resistance 63 connected to a tap on resistance-29 intermediate the plate and cathode taps by means of wire, 64.u A resistance V65 can be connected to contact point 59,and to wire 5S as shown in order to cut down the amount of current 'going to ground when contact point 59 is vmade with respect 'to contact point 66. Ihi's resistance is shnnted when contact points 59 and 6i) `are. made. A means for discharging capacitance 6i is provided by connecting resistance 67 by Wires 63 and 69 `to lpoints 66 and 59 to thereby connect Vthe plates together when these points are made.

. .In discussing the operation of the apparatus of this invention, letit be assumed that it is desired that the 'camera besituated to view a safeand that it is further desired that the 'camera take .a picture of the safe every minute duringthehours of 5:00p. to 9:0() a. m. Clock 12 can. be adjusted'to clos'e switch 9 at 5:00 rpfrn. and to openitagain at 9:00 a. rn. When 5:00 p. m. arrives and switch v9 is closed, current will be turned into transformery 23 thereby energizing the secondary coils thereof. Current will How from the cathode of tube 24t`oftheplates and out :through the center tap wire y27.and 'then back through wire 2S and resistance 29to'complete the circuit. Capacitance -35 will smooth the pulsating "direct current from tube 24. The higher eak voltagesjof the half vwaves 'of direct current will charge the capacitance which will then feed suchcharge back tothe circuit during the Vlow voltage portion ot the direct current pulse. Also, resistor 29a will cut ofi the peaksV of the direct current pulsehthereby furnishing a substantially constant direct current. 'A voltage potential of Yproper valueis impressed between the plates and cathodes of tube 32 through wires 36 and 39 connected Aacross resistor '29 in such fashion that the plates will be positive with respect to the cathodcs. A potential impressed by 'the power supply through line 41 and capacitance 42 on grid 4t) makes it negative with respect tothecathode associated vtherewith because the cathode is connected to resistor 29 at a point such that a portion of theresistance between this connection an.. the output oi the power supply provides `a desired negativleslbias for gridV This negative bias should be of suiiicientva'luejth'at when applied to grid-i, the'tube will be cut off, that'is, no current will flow therethrough. Resistance 45 prevents a surge of current to Vand from 'grid .4 0.

Selector switch A48 can be setat any vdesired point to switch 48. l

tap off any portion of the resistance '47 and thereby provide the desired amount of resistance in the grid leak circuit from grid 40 back to the plate circuit of the tube. Resistance 49 which can be of comparatively high value as compared to resistance 45 is provided in series with the resistance tapped off resistance `47 in order that the charging time of capacitance 42 can be slowed toma'desired extent. Without this resistance, it would be necessary to increase the resistance values. picked voff of resistor 47 and this would make calibration and variation of the timing circuit diicult'. Current will flow from capacitance 42 out through resistance .49 and that portion of resistance 47 selected by the selector switch and thence out through line 36 backv to resistor 29. The rate at which such current fiows can beyaried by changing the amount of resistance tapped off by selector switch 48 from resistance 47. The greater the resistance tapped off resistance 47, the lesser will be the rate of current flow through the grid leak. Thus, the charging time of capacitance 42 can be Varied. As current leaks off from capacitance 42 through resistance 49 and 47, the charge on grid 40 will become less negative with respect to the cathode until a voltage differential thereacross is reached which will permit tube 32 to fire thereby causing a current to flow through line ywire 35 and relay coil 34 which is placed in the plate circuit as the load. As the current flows through relay coil 34, its plunger will close switches 13a and 14a. When switches 13a and `14a are closed, the camera motor will be energized and will rotate, thereby 'turning the shutterA 5 and cam 7. When the cam has rotated sufiiciently, switch 52 will be closed thereby discharging capacitance 42. The momentum of the camera motor will carry cam 7 sufficiently far to again open switch 52, thereby again impressing sufficient negative voltage on gridI 40/t'o bias the tube to a shutoff position. After this has occurred, current will no longer ow through the relay coil 34 and switches 13a and 14a will be opened, .therebyf stopping the motor. This cycle of operation will V*beV repeated at fixed time intervalsin accordance withfthe amount of resistance picked off by selector switch'48from resistance 47. t

When it is desired to slow the time interval of firing of tube 32 and therefore the time interval between the frames of film exposed, switch-44 can beclosed thereby placing capacitance 43 in parallel vwithcapacitance 42. It will then take a longertime forjthe two Vcapacitances to be charged suiciently to fire'ztube 32.v Thus,.in effect, capacitance 43 extends the range afforded by` selector In the auxiliary circuit of this invention, a voltage 'differential is impressed through wire 62, capacitance 61,

contact points 59 and 60, wire 58 and resistance 57 upon grid 56 of tube 32. This differential willbe suicien'tly negative with respect to the cathode associated with grid 56 that the tube will be biased to a cutoff position and no current will flow therethrough. However, lwith the passage of time, current will slowly bleed off through resistance 63 and wire 64 back to the tap on resistance 29 to thereby permit a charge to gradually accumulate on capacitance 61. As this charge accumulates, lgrid 56 will become less negative withrespect to the cathode associated therewith, and when capacitance 61 has been suiciently charged, tube 32 will fire through grid 56 and the plate-cathode circuit associated therewith. n However, the capacity of capacitance 61 is made sufliciently large and/or resistance 63 ismade sufiicientlylarge that the time required for ak charge to accumulate on capacitance 61 sufficient to ytire tube'32 through,v grid 56 is longer than that requiredforf'a charge tofaccumulate on capacitance 42 (and 43, when used) sufficient to fire tube 32 through grid 4f). Then, when grid 4'0y fires tube 32, points-S9 and 66 will makecontact thereby discharging capacitance 61. However, should "a -voltag'e fluctuation or other incident happen so -that carn 7 is stopped in a position to maintain ,switch 52 closed, thereby'pre.-

venting firing of tube 32 through grid atl, then the charge on capacitance 61 will continue to accumulate until tube 32 fires, thereby causing current to flow through relay coil 34 closing switches 13a and 14a to energize the camera motor. At thesame time, contact point 59 will also be made with respect to contact point 66, thereby discharging capacitance-6l through wires 6d and 69. Low value resistance 67 prevents scorching or pitting of points 59 and 66 during discharge of capacitance 6l. Resistance 65 will substantially decrease the current flowing to ground. Resistance 57 should be sufficiently large that there'will be a short time lag before the full negative biasing potential is impressed on grid 56. immediately after capacitance 61 has been discharged, grid 56 will become biased sufficiently to cutoff tube 32, and the relay plunger will return to its normally open position again making contact between contact points 59 and 60. The cycle will be repeated with a charge buiiding up on capacitance 61 to a value sufficient to cause grid 56 to fire tube 32 to again bump the camera motor to cause it to turn. After a sufficient number of these firings have occurred, the camera motor will be turned to a point that switch 52 will open whereupon the automatic keying circuit can again actuate the camera motor.

As stated above, resistance 47 is connected in parallel with that portion of resistance 29 existing between the plate tap and the cathode tap for tube 32. Thence, should the current flowing in resistance 29 vary to thereby vary the voltage drop thereacross, the voltage drop across 47 will vary in like amount. ln this manner, a constantly proportional voltage differential is maintained between the grid 40 and its respective cathode irrespective of fiuctuations in voltage between the cathode and the plate.

in a specific example of an embodiment of the apparatus of this invention, transformer 23 is so constructed that the secondary winding 25 steps up the input ll volt voltage to 480 Volts, and since this isv a center tap type rectifier, output from tube 24, whichcan be a SYS type tube, is 240 volts of direct current. in this example, the other elements were sized as follows:

Thecathode tap of resistance 29 (line 39) should be so adjusted that approximately a 30 volt differential exists between that tap and wire 28. Also, the tap of resistance 29 by wire 64, which leads to contact point 6u, should be situated such that there exists a differential of approximately 40 Volts between such tap and wire 2%. The plate tap of resistance 29 (wire 36) should be so adjusted that the differential between this tap and the cathode tap (wire 39) is approximately 230 volts. Likewise, resistance 47 should have a normal resistance sutiicient to afford a differential thereacross of 230 volts. Tube 32 can be a 6SN7 type tube. .Transformer 16 can be sized according to the specic camera motor which is to be employed therewith in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. When the apparatus of this invention is constructed with units of the sizes as set forth above, itfhas been found that a l16 mm. movie camera` can be satisfactorily operated to take pictures intermittently at spaced periods' of time therebetween for many desired purposes.

The apparatus of this invention is substantially foolproof and except for a power input failure, will contine to operate as long as it is desired despite voltage fluctuations. rl`hus, it is apparent that should the camera motor bc turned only a portion of the desired number of revolutions in such a manner that lthe cam 7 maintains switch 5;, in a closed position, the auililiar'y circuit will automatically energize the Vcarriera motor after a suitable period of time has elapsed to cause 'itto turn and thereby open switch E2. Hence, it is not necessary to continually supervise the operation of the camera, and the only care that need be exercised is to replace `the film in the camera with new film after the old has all been exposed. When a sutiiciently long reel of `iilrn ha'sb'een placed in the camera, it will be vpossible t'o have the camera in operation over long perids of time without any attendance there-to.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with Aother advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the Vstructure.

it will be understood that certain features andsubcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth 'or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The invention having een described, what is claimed is:

l. An apparatus which comprisesfin combination, a camera adapted to be actuated by a source of electric current, a normally open relay for controlling said source of current, an electron discharge means having a platecathodc circuit connected to said relay to close same when f current is 'flowing in said plate circuit, aiirst .grid'for controlling said plate-cathode circuit, said rst grid being connected in series with a first capacitance to a sourceof current having sudcient negative Ypotential for biasing said 'lirst grid to normallypreventlow'of current in said r plate-cathode circuit, a resistance connected in parallel across said plate and cathode, a Agrid leak comprising a means for tapping said resistance at a 'point along its length and connecting said point to the circuit between said lirst negative biasing potential imposed on said rst grid with respect te said cathode is gradually decreased by the current leakage through said grid leali until saidjplatecathode circuit is energized to thereby close -saidfrelay and actuate said camera, a switch connected across said capacitance and adapted to be closed by said camera to discharge said capacitance, and supplementarymeans for actuating said camera should the latter holdsuch switch closed longer than a predetermined time comprising a second grid for controlling current flow'in a plate-cathode circuit connected to said relay, said second grid eing sufficiently biased through a second capacitance in series therewith to normally prevent flow through tl e last said plate-cathode circuit when said relayk is in open position, a grid leali for said second grid adapted l to charge said secc-nd capacitance and thereby decrease the potential between said second grid and last said cathode to cause current to ow through said relay thereby actuating said camera to open said switch and means for said second capacitance when said relay is Vapparatus of claim l wherein Vsaid second capacitance and said grid leak for said second gridare of such size as to decrease the negative biasing potential of said second grid at a slower rate than that at which and said first capacitance whereby the f` ling Uli

8 the negativebiasingtpotential of said rst grid is decreased by said r'st grid il'eak. and first capacitance.

3.- Ahppaitus which comprises, in combination, a device adaptedto.b'e yactuated by a source of electrical current, a :means-'fil' controlling 'said source of current, an electron'discharge LArri'ea'ns -'adapted t'o be biased to a tion-current flowing :condition by `a lpotential impressed tliereonjand being Yfiirt'li'e'r adapted to `transmit current when said poteritial changed, :inoperable connection between said source controlling means and said electron discharge means', 'a trieans for impressing said potential uponsaiddischa'rge 'means including a capacitance connected 'inshe'risfwithsaid discharge means, a means for changing the' hargeon'saidcapacitance at a controlled rate', amea'nsaetuatd'by sdfdevie for returning the 'charge Aorrsai apacitnc'e tits original potential, and an auxiliary means'foractuating said device after a predetermined tiifn'elias `elapsed without it having been Vactuated byf's'id y"el ct'ro'n discharge means which comprises a second lelectrn dischaffgenielan's 'operably connected to said source Aro l dllingineans, second means for impressing ya ptentialupon said second electron discharge means including a second capacitance connected in serieswithnsaid second 'electron discharge lmeans, and a means for changing the charge on said second capacitance at la controlled rate wherebysaid capacitance is charged at :a rate slower than said rst capacitance.

4. An apparatus,which comprises, in combination, a camera adapted to be actuated by a source of electrical current, a normally open relay for controlling said source of Acurrentman electron discharge means having a platecathode circuit connected Vto said relay to close same whenjurrent s-owing in said plate circuit, a grid for controlling `said plate-.cathode circuit, said grid being connected-,in series with a capacitance to a source of current having suflicient negative potential for biasing said grid` to normally -preverit flow of current in said plate-cathode fcircuit, Va lresistance connected in parallel across vsaid plate and Vcathode,-a grid leak comprising a means -for tapping said Yresistance at a point `along its length and for connecting said point to the grid circuit between said grid Vand said capacitance whereby the negative biasing potentilim'posed lon said grid with respect to said cathdde'is gradually decreased by current leakage through said Ygridleak until `sa'id 'plate-cathode circuit is energized'to vtherebyclose said relay and actuate said camera'and V'a'shritfoperalile'responsive to actuation of said Icamer'a'tofsh'unt said capacitance to discharge the same while simultaneously providing a connection b'etweensaid'gid 'and `said source'of current.

5. The 'apparatus 'ofclatn 4 wherein 'said shunt is a switch l'adapted to be closed `by said camera to discharge said l'capacitan sandte-be Opened after a predetermined c einem' of actuation-'off saidf camra.

6. A ykeying circuit for transmittirigcurr'ent at periodic intervals to Vvacttiate anapparatus including transmitting meansco'rine'c'ted in -'said circuit to control current flow to said'apparatus andadapted'to be rendered conductive and non-'conductiveresponsive to the application thereto of 'potntials'offrst and 4second magnitudes respectively, -a potentiallcharlg'rig'rneans connected to said transmitting "rneans'to'applythereto said potentials of vsaid different magnituds,"'aiswitch' connected to said potential changing means, I'saidfptentialchangingrneans'and switch being lar'rangediso"that 'after said switch is'opened and before `it is 'closedfajpotentialfofsaid rstmagnitude is applied to said ltransmittin'gmeans -and with the switch closed, a potential of `saidsecond magnitude is applied `to said trismittngfmeans and apparatus for opening said switch should -t remaininaclosedposition longer than Aa predetermined time including a current responsive means frorlopeningl said-switch and' means for transmitting a pulse of Vcurrentto'said current responsivemeans cornprisingz an electront transmitting means adapted to transmit current to actuate said current responsive means, said electron transmitting means being adapted to transmit current upon a change in one direction of potential applied thereto, a capacitance connected in series with said electron transmitting means and with a source of current whereby the potential of said source can be impressed on said electron transmittingr means and a means for changing said potential comprising a resistance connected to said capacitance whereby current can be transmitted to change the charge on said capacitance thereby changing said potential impressed on said electron transmitting means to cause it to transmit a pulse of current.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein a means is connected across said capacitance in such a manner that current from said electron transmitting means actuates said means connected across said capacitance thereby returning said capacitance to its original condition.

8. An apparatus which comprises, in combination, a device adapted to be actuated by a source of electrical current, a switch connected to interrupt flow of current from said source to said device, current responsive means for actuating said switch and a control circuit connected between said current responsive means and a source of current, said control circuit including electron valve means connected therein and adapted to interrupt current flow through said control circuit upon application thereto of an electrical potential of a rst value and then per mitting flow through the control circuit upon changing said potential to a second value, a timing circuit connecting said electron valve means to a source of potential at least as great as the larger of said values, an impedance in the last-mentioned circuit causing the potential applied from said potential source to said electron valve means to change over a predetermined time interval from one of said first and second values to the other, and means connected to said timing circuit and said device to cause the potential applied to said electron valve means to change from said other value to said one value.

9, The apparatus of claim 8 in combination with a second timing circuit also connecting said electron valve means to a source of potential at least as great as the larger of said values, an impedance in the second timing circuit causing, over a time interval of longer duration than the rst mentioned time interval, the potential applied from the last-mentioned potential source to said electron valve means to change from said one value to the other value, and means connected to said control circuit and actuated responsive to current transmitted through said control circuit to cause the potential applied by second timing circuit to change to said one value.

10. An apparatus for producing pulses of current at predetermined time intervals which comprises, in combination, current responsive means adapted to be actuated by a source of electrical current, an electron valve means connected between said current responsive means and said source of current and adapted to be biased to a noncurrent transmitting condition by an electrical potential applied thereto, a capacitance connected to said valve means in series with a source of potential sucient to bias the Valve means to a non-transmitting condition, a resistance connected between said capacitance and a point having a diierent potential than that of said source of potential to permit a regulated ilow of current to charge said capacitance thereby changing the potential applied to the valve means to permit it to transmit current and actuate said current transmitting means, switch means connected across said capacitance to discharge the latter when the switch means are closed, said switch means being connected to said current responsive means so as to be closed by the current responsive means upon current ow therethrough, and means connecting between said source of potential and said valve means and including said switch means therein so that closing of said switch means connects said source of potential to said valve means to bias it to non-transmitting condition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,792,296 Given Feb. 10, 1931 2,061,011 Vingerhoets Nov. 17, 1936 2,149,471 Shore et al. Mar. 7, 1939 2,156,440 Veber May 2, 1939 2,265,290 Knick Dec. 9, 1941 2,279,007 Mortley Apr. 7, 1942 2,346,079 Newton Apr. 4, 1944 2,350,797 Morland et al June 6, 1944 2,371,981 Few Mar. 20, 1945 2,539,123 Dudley Ian. 23, 1951 2,614,239 Smith et al. Oct. 14, 1952 

